Speaking to the M&S website , the 55 year-old, from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, has blurred the lines between her on and off-screen character by revealing her own personal tastes and experiences of being a working woman.

First up, she admits that she's a keen R&B fan, saying: “I’d describe my music tastes as diverse. Let’s just say Beyoncé is on high rotation.”

She also reveals that she's competitive when it comes to familiy festivities, such as board games. “You might say I’m competitive,” she says diplomatically. “I win most of the time. Sometimes you have to own what you’re good at.”

The 55 year-old has blurred the lines between her on and off-screen character by revealing her own personal tastes and experiences of being a working woman. (Photo: M&S)

The Oscar-nominated star has shared secrets on her character's hidden side (Photo: M&S)

Praised for her stylish look in the three-minute clip, Janet also discusses her approach to fashion, saying: “A signature style keeps things simple but that doesn’t equal low-maintenance. I like to look polished when I work.

“When working from home I turn to jeans, knitwear, Breton tops and collared shirts,” she says. Christmas mission mode is her time to step up in the style stakes: “A red lip makes any outfit look a million pounds.”

The fresh insight will no doubt encourage viewers to replicate her wardrobe choices.

Best-known for her nomination as Hubert Page in the 2011 film Albert Nobbs, British actress Janet has also appeared in Tumbleweeds and Lynda La Plante’s The Governor. She was made an OBE in the 2008 Birthday Honours.

Mrs Claus takes to the skies in a helicopter, while her husband delivers gifts (Photo: M&S)

Mrs Claus has been revamped and updated for the 2016 M&S Christmas advert (Photo: M&S)

The advert - which will be a mainstay on the TV schedules for the next few weeks - was directed by Tom Hooper, who picked up an Oscar for Elizabeth I, The King’s Speech and Les Miserables.

Music was composed by Rachel Portman responsible for the scores for Chocolate and The Cider House Rules.

The ad premiered tonight at 9pm on C4 just before the start of Gogglebox - a show expected to draw in three million viewers.

Stores across the country will also be carrying out 15,000 acts of Mrs Claus kindness for customers, from free coffee for a Café regular to a party makeover for a customer in need of a pick-me-up.

The blonde performer will no doubt win an army of new fans for the cute role (Photo: M&S)

Mwwah! Mrs Claus and Santa share a smooch in the advert, which was filmed in London's Islington in August (Photo: M&S)

Each customer picked for an act of kindness will see a £5 donation from the department store chain to a charity of their choice.

Last year M&S avoided a high-profile head-to-head clash with John Lewis by releasing a “box set” of sleek short “attention grabbing” ads rather than a single Hollywood-style production.

‘The Art of Christmas’ featuring two fairies in Santa’s warehouse Magic and Sparkle - in 20 second and 30 second formats.

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Hollywood standards: M&S bosses roped in plenty of high-profile people to work on the clip (Photo: M&S)

Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne, executive director of customer, marketing & M&S.com said: “This is a brand new approach for M&S this year, one that has been created with our customers and for our customers.

“Our ambition is for our customers across the nation to experience something special this festive season. Mrs Claus epitomises the huge efforts our customers put in to making the festive season special and represents the love and togetherness that customers want to feel and see in abundance at Christmas.

“That’s why we’ve brought Mrs Claus and her world to life - ensuring that everyone will #LoveMrsClaus this year.”